Linux enthusiasts now know which Dell products will ship with the Ubuntu OS

Dell today officially launched three consumer products with the Ubuntu Linux 7.04 operating system. The XPS 410n, Dimension E520 desktops and Inspiron E1505n notebook are now available from the Dell web site. The new products give customers three different operating system options when purchasing a new product -- a system with Microsoft Windows, a machine with no OS, or a machine pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux.

"To the worldwide Linux community, I wanted to thank you for all your support," said Lionel Menchaca, Dell Digital Media Manager.

The Inspiron E1505n notebook has a starting price of $599, while the two desktops start from $599 and $849.

"The interest and enthusiasm from customers who challenged us to deliver a consumer Linux solution has been met with a team of dedicated professionals within Dell and Canoncial," said Neil Hand, Vice President of Consumer Product Group.

While hardware support will be handled by Dell, the Linux section of the Dell Community Forum is taking care of all software and Linux issues. Canonical Ltd. is offering service upgrades on the official Ubuntu web site.

I'm not thinking this will be even a small coup for Dell. Most enthusiasts who would use Linux know better and would not buy a Dell. Others who may buy one because they are cheap will quickly find out that tech support is scanty, at best. Don't misinterpret my remarks, I am not against Linux, I use it myself on one of my computers (though not Ubuntu). I don't think too many novices will be very happy with having to get tech support via a forum on the web. Once they start calling around locally, how many people do you think they will find willing to help them with a computer they didn't buy from them for free? We don't provide any free phone support for Dells, and that won't change with Linux.